In a notable celebration of cricketing excellence, Australian opener Usman Khawaja has been named Test Cricketer of the Year in the prestigious ICC Awards for 2023. The seasoned left-hander joins an illustrious group of Australian legends—including Ricky Ponting (2006), Michael Clarke (2013), Mitchell Johnson (2014), Steve Smith (2015 and 2017), and Pat Cummins (2019)—as the sixth player from Down Under to receive this distinguished accolade.
In a superior display of consistency and mastery, Khawaja dominated the test arena, amassing an impressive 1,210 runs at an average of 52.60. His 2023 run tally highlighted his match-winning capabilities and included three centuries along with six fifties, which contributed significantly to his team’s successes.
Khawaja’s extraordinary year saw him surpass peers and competitors such as India’s R Ashwin, English batting mainstay Joe Root, and fellow Australian Travis Head. Notably, the announcement came during the broadcast of the Australia-West Indies second Test in Brisbane, where Khawaja expressed his gratitude for the honor and reflected upon the hard work behind his achievements, though he humbly admitted knowing about the award for over a week.
Upon reflecting on the milestones of the past year, Khawaja’s memory fondly revisited the Edgbaston Test—2023’s Ashes inaugural match against England. In what was a remarkable performance, he scored a steadfast 141 in the first innings and an important 65 in the second, contributing to Australia’s nail-biting two-wicket victory. This was only a continuation of his form from the preceding India series, where he emerged as the top run-scorer leading up to the World Test Championship final, notching up a century and a couple of fifties in critically acclaimed innings.
At the age of 37, Usman Khawaja’s accomplishments speak to a career not just revived but thriving. His acknowledgment as ICC Men’s Test Player of the Year is a testament to his undiminished skill and dedication to the sport. Khawaja, speaking in an ICC video said, “It’s a great privilege. I have been playing cricket for a long time and I didn’t think in my wildest dreams that at 37, I’ll be winning ICC men’s Test player of the year. So, yeah very excited.”
Khawaja’s golden year was further embellished by his crucial role in Australia’s capturing of the World Test Championship, as well as the team’s subsequent World Cup victory. His contributions have not only etched his name into the annals of cricket history but have also fortified Australia’s stance as a dominant force in the international arena.
Other cricketing honors recognized Virat Kohli as the ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year, while the ICC announced additional winners in both the men’s and women’s categories for 2023. Furthermore, England captain Ben Stokes found himself on the less enviable side of the records on Day 1 of the Hyderabad Test, showcasing the volatile nature of the sport where peaks and troughs often define a player’s journey.
As the cricketing community celebrates Usman Khawaja’s achievements and marvels at his late-career resurgence, his dedication and passion remain clear indicators of his enduring capabilities. His exceptional performances and groundwork set a high bar for aspiring cricketers, confirming that age is merely a number in the realm of competitive sports. Khawaja’s crowning as ICC Test Cricketer of the Year not only signifies individual glory but also heralds the triumph of experience, perseverance, and the evergreen spirit of cricket.
